Lynker, a Federal Government Contractor, is seeking a talented Physical Scientist for Global Model Verification Scientific Support, who will directly support the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC). This position serves as a member of the Verification team within the Verification, Post-Processing, and Product Generation Branch (VPPPGB) in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. The incumbent will perform verification, validation, evaluation, and diagnostic studies of EMC’s Global Forecast System (GFS), using scientific analysis methods, numerical algorithms, and advanced software tools. The incumbent will be expected to communicate scientific results via both oral presentation briefings and written reports to internal and external customers, and will have direct interaction with NOAA scientists, NCEP centers, National Weather Service (NWS) forecast offices, and academic partners. Additional responsibilities will include providing support and development of model verification graphics via the world wide web.  The Ideal Physical Scientist for Global Model Verification Scientific Support will be local to the DC Metro area, and be able to work a hybrid schedule, spending 2 days per week in the office.

Duties of the Physical Scientist for Global Model Verification Scientific Support will include the following:

• Evaluate and assess the guidance provided by the EMC global forecast model, the Global Forecast System (GFS), including both atmospheric and marine (ocean, wave, and ice) components.
• Design new methods and verification tools for assessing global model results for forecasts with the EMC Verification System (EVS).
• Assess longer-term performance of parallel versions of the GFS using objective methods.
• Validate performance of new, emerging parallel versions of the GFS, using both statistical and subjective methods.
• Work with forecasters in the NWS field and NCEP National Centers to keep them informed of global model biases and upcoming changes, and investigate global model problems that are reported.
• Provide general support on verification of GFS output, including support of standard global forecast metrics used by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 
• Maintain an ongoing archive of global model and observations data.
• Interact with NWS/NCEP/EMC and external partner domain scientists and engineers.

• Adhere to DOC/NOAA/NWS Information Technology policies and procedures.
• Adhere to project-specific software development guidelines and practices.
• Complete scientific projects in a timely fashion according to internal and external schedules.
• Actively contribute to review of scientific ideas at status/technical meetings.
• Contribute to a monthly task status report.
• Report regularly to senior project managers on project task completion status.

The Physical Scientist for Global Model Verification Scientific Support should have the following:

• At least an M.S. or equivalent experience in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, mathematics, or a related physical science and at least two years experience with analysis, modeling or monitoring of ensemble Earth System Models (ESM’s).
• Knowledge of  the verification methods and techniques for verifying ensemble and deterministic Earth System Models (ESMs)..
• Extensive experience with working with the Python programming language in a high performance supercomputing UNIX environment, to both calculate ESM verification metrics and create custom graphical plots to view and communicate results.
• Knowledge of the FORTRAN computing language and graphical display programs such as GRADS, GEMPAK, MATLAB, IDL, etc. 
• Knowledge of common meteorological data formats, such as GRIB2, NetCDF, HDF, BUFR, etc.
• Knowledge of model verification software systems, such as the Model Evaluation Tools (METplus).
• Demonstrated knowledge with using GitHub to manage software repositories and projects.
• Some knowledge of using web page technology and common languages (e.g., HTML, Javascript)  to display plots of ESM verification data.
• Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively with scientists of diverse backgrounds, and the ability to present results accurately and clearly in both oral and written form.
• Ability to analyze/plot and verify model output independently.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex problems.
• Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.

The Ideal Physical Scientist for Global Model Verification Scientific Support should have the following:

• Familiarity with ESM datasets, including observations and global models such as the Global Forecast System (GFS) and the Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS).
• Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of statistical principles and strong analytical skills.
• Familiarity with operational global model systems and/or an operational forecasting environment.

• Ability to accept assigned tasking, but also engage as a creative self-starter.
• Ability to remain flexible as projects and tasks evolve.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.